When it comes to bolting and fastening, the washer is one of the most commonly used components. And while it seems simple and straightforward, various types of washers serve different purposes. One such kind is the SAE flat washer. This blog will explore what SAE flat washers are, their dimensions, properties, and various uses.
What is SAE Flat Washer?
SAE Flat Washers are metal discs with a circular outer diameter and a center hole. They are used to evenly distribute the load of a fastener across a surface, providing greater resistance to looseness. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) flat washers typically feature outside diameters ranging from 0.25″ up to 3″ and come in imperial or metric thread sizes. A key benefit of using SAE flat washers is reducing assembly costs by preventing marring, galling, and corrosion caused by direct screw-to-metal contact between two surfaces.
SAE Flat Washer Dimensions
| SAE Low Carbon & Stainless Washers | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bolt Size Click on the size to shop products |
Outside Diameter (OD) |
Inside Diameter (ID) |
Thickness (TH) |
Approx. number of STEEL washers per carton | |||||||
| Nominal | Max | Min | Nominal | Max | Min | American Standard (Gauge) | Max | Min | 50 Lbs. (Zinc, Black Oxide or Plain finish) | 20 Lbs. (Galvanized) |
|
| 4 | 5/16 | 0.320 | 0.307 | 1/8 | 0.133 | 0.120 | (1/32) | .040 | .025 | 83300 | – |
| 6 | 3/8 | 0.390 | 0.370 | 5/32 | 0.164 | 0.151 | 18 (3/64) | .065 | .036 | 39500 | – |
| 8 | 7/16 | 0.453 | 0.433 | 3/16 | 0.196 | 0.183 | 18 (3/64) | .065 | .036 | 29500 | – |
| 10 | 1/2 | 0.515 | 0.495 | 7/32 | 0.227 | 0.214 | 18 (3/64) | .065 | .036 | 22750 | – |
| 3/16 | 9/16 | 0.577 | 0.557 | 1/4 | 0.265 | 0.245 | 18 (3/64) | .065 | .036 | – | – |
| 12 | 9/16 | 0.577 | 0.557 | 1/4 | 0.265 | 0.245 | 16 (1/16) | .080 | .051 | 14700 | – |
| 1/4 | 5/8 | 0.640 | 0.620 | 9/32 | 0.296 | 0.276 | 16 (1/16) | .080 | .051 | 11100 | 4440 |
| 5/16 | 11/16 | 0.703 | 0.681 | 11/32 | 0.359 | 0.339 | 16 (1/16) | .080 | .051 | 9750 | 3900 |
| 3/8 | 13/16 | 0.827 | 0.805 | 13/32 | 0.419 | 0.401 | 16 (1/16) | .080 | .051 | 7000 | 2800 |
| 7/16 | 59/64 | 0.937 | 0.915 | 15/32 | 0.484 | 0.464 | 16 (1/16) | .080 | .051 | 5500 | – |
| 1/2 | 1-1/16 | 1.092 | 1.055 | 17/32 | 0.546 | 0.526 | 13 (3/32) | .121 | .074 | 2800 | 1120 |
| 9/16 | 1-3/16 | 1.186 | 1.149 | 19/32 | 0.609 | 0.589 | 13 (3/32) | .121 | .074 | 2250 | – |
| 5/8 | 1-5/16 | 1.342 | 1.305 | 21/32 | 0.686 | 0.649 | 13 (3/32) | .121 | .074 | 1850 | 722 |
| 3/4 | 1-1/2 | 1.499 | 1.462 | 13/16 | 0.842 | 0.805 | 10 (9/64) | .160 | .108 | 1050 | 337 |
| 7/8 | 1-3/4 | 1.780 | 1.743 | 15/16 | 0.968 | 0.931 | 10 (9/64) | .160 | .108 | 775 | – |
| 1 | 2 | 2.030 | 1.993 | 1-1/16 | 1.092 | 1.055 | 10 (9/64) | .160 | .108 | 585 | – |
| 1-1/8 | 2-1/4 | 2.280 | 2.243 | 1-3/16 | 1.280 | 1.243 | 10 (9/64) | .160 | .108 | 460 | – |
| 1-1/4 | 2-1/2 | 2.530 | 2.493 | 1-5/16 | 1.405 | 1.368 | 9 (5/32) | .192 | .136 | 335 | – |
| 1-3/8 | 2-3/4 | 2.780 | 2.743 | 1-7/16 | 1.530 | 1.493 | 9 (5/32) | .213 | .136 | 275 | – |
| 1-1/2 | 3 | 3.030 | 2.993 | 1-9/16 | 1.655 | 1.618 | 9 (5/32) | .213 | .153 | 230 | – |
SAE Flat Washer Properties
SAE flat washers can be made from different materials depending on the application. The most commonly used materials are steel, stainless steel, and brass. Steel washers are usually plated with zinc to prevent rusting, while stainless steel washers are corrosion-resistant. SAE flat washers are manufactured to be durable and withstand high pressure and vibrations, ensuring the integrity and safety of the fastening joint.
SAE Flat Washer Uses
SAE flat washers are used in various applications, such as machinery, automotive, construction, and electrical industries. These washers help distribute loads and pressure evenly across the surface, reducing the risk of damage to the fastening joint and the surface it is attached to. They can also work as spacers or shims to compensate for gaps or misalignments between the fastening surfaces.
SAE Flat Washer Benefits
Using SAE flat washers has several benefits. Firstly, they provide a consistent and reliable load distribution, which can help prevent fastener failure due to overloading or underloading. Secondly, they can protect the surface from being damaged by the fastener or the material it is attached to. Thirdly, using washers with the correct dimensions and properties can enhance the performance and lifespan of the fastening joint.
SAE Flat Washer Maintenance and Storage
It’s important to properly maintain and store SAE flat washers to prevent rusting and other forms of damage. They should be kept in a dry and clean environment, preferably in their original packaging or separated by size and material. If the washers get dirty or oily, they can be cleaned using solvents or degreasers and dried thoroughly before storage.
Conclusion:
In summary, SAE flat washers are vital in fastening and bolting applications. They come in standard sizes, materials, and thicknesses and provide benefits such as even load distribution, surface protection, and improved performance. Whether in automobiles, machinery, or construction equipment, SAE flat washers are designed to withstand high pressure and vibrations, ensuring the safety and integrity of the fastening joint. Proper storage and maintenance can extend the life of the washers and maintain their optimal performance.
Meet Bhavesh, a seasoned blogger with a wealth of knowledge and experience. From metal products manufacturing to retail, Bhavesh has a diverse background in various industries and is dedicated to sharing his insights and expertise with readers.
